Kieran Maguire: Arsenal are a ‘soap opera’ amid ‘£19m’ reveal
The popularity of Arsenal with broadcasters in 2021-22 was due in part to an element of “soap opera” at the Emirates.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “£19million” in extra TV cash the Gunners picked up in the recently-completed season.
Mikel Arteta’s side at one point looked a safe bet to qualify for the Champions League, but five defeats in their last 10 games meant Spurs pipped them to the post.
As relayed by the Daily Mail last Sunday (29 May), Arsenal topped the broadcast charts after appearing on television 29 times in 2021-22.
The Londoners will receive both central and merit-based payments from the Premier League as well as a top-up based on how often they were on TV.
Maguire suggested why Arsenal might have been so popular with Sky, Amazon and BT Sport.
“It works out as just under £1m for every game you’re on the TV after 10 games,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“So, it is going to work out in the region of £19m. They have proved to be popular with broadcasters. There is an element of soap opera and there was a lot of tension around Arteta.
“The run for that final Champions League position was a story in its own right. There is also the fact there are so many teams in London. London derbies are attractive to broadcasters.
“Arsenal have a global fanbase. They are an attractive draw for broadcasters.”
Arsenal earned £184.4m in broadcast cash for 2020-21.
They will not reveal their figures for 2021-22 until at least February 2023.
In other news, Crawley Town agree to appoint Arsenal coach Kevin Betsy as manager.